Christmas Palm Tree-Landscape Perfection

Considered
to be a small to medium size tree that is fairly easy to grow.

Some nicknames for this tree include the Manila Palm or
Dwarf Royal.

Manila Palm because it originally
comes from the Philippines.

Appearance

Dwarf Royal because it has much the same kind of
characteristics of the larger Royal palm but on a much smaller scale.

Full grown-depending on conditions, 20 feet or so.

It has the same greyish brown trunk and a circular pattern
of leaf ring scars.

They have a slightly swollen trunk as well.

Sometimes at the base and sometimes in the center just like the royal.

The same long green
leaf sheath and the feather like leaves are shared between the two species.

The
leaves of the Christmas palm though have a bit different shape and presentation
than a royal.

Some actually consider the Christmas tree palm leaves to be
prettier in presentation with the nice curve they have to them.

We have about 10 of them in our yard now. Love their smaller size and leaves.

Growth and Care of Christmas Palm Trees

Quick Info: Scientific Name: Adonidia merrillii

25 ft tall, 8-10ft wide outdoors in soil.

minimum temp 30°F zone 10-11

full to part sun

somewhat drought tolerant

growth rate- medium

any soil but benefits from some organic material

can be potted and indoors with sufficient light

The Christmas palm tree is tropical to sub-tropical and grow in a wide range
of soil types as long as it is well drained. No standing water around the
roots.

They will thrive in
full sun to part sun - fertilizing with a good quality palm food and mineral
mix- make sure it is slow release- every 4 months or so.

They require water regularly. If there are drought conditions
setting up they will do okay for a short time. It's much better for you to supplement
water until it passes.

A small root ball allows for them to be grown in containers
and can be taken inside to a sunny location in the colder months.

This tree is
not considered to be cold tolerant as they don’t do well with any frost. It will surely kill them.

In a container, their
growth will slow and they will never reach their full size. Maybe only 10-12
feet at most.

Outside in soil, they will grow taller and a bit faster, reaching
closer to 20 feet or so.

They require minimal pruning and just the brown fronds that
haven’t released themselves yet, but that’s it, no more.

That's one of the things I like the most about them. They aren't heavy and awkward to carry to the compost and you don't have to do a lot to pick up after them.

Not nearly as dangerous as to put a hammock under as a coconut palm can be either.

If you’re not into the fruit, you could trim them
off either before or after the cream colored blossoms appear out of the green
buds.

The bountiful display of red fruits are ripe right around the holiday season.

This is the whole reason
for calling them the Christmas palm tree.

They look like red ornaments,
or radishes according to my husband.

Some people think they look more like cherries.

You can often purchase youngsters in pots of 1, 2 or 3. They can then be planted in containers or your landscape.

If you plant them with the roots close together, over time their trunks will arc away from each other coming back close again at the crown.

What a unique landscape center piece they make when they mature.

If you are looking
for a versatile easy to grow tree, with beauty and grace then consider the Christmas palm tree as your next choice.

NOTE : About Buying Palms

If you are looking to buy palm trees
of any kind then I would highly recommend purchasing through the Real Palm Tree Store.

They
are a huge nursery based in Florida with connections to many quality growers.

Whether you are ordering from inside the United States,
Canada or another part of the world-- ordering one tree for your landscape or many
for a commercial project-- I’m confident you won’t be disappointed.

Their customer
service is second to none; all products are high quality and backed by a money back 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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